ELPAC: May Monthly Update
ELPAC email update, May 1, 2023.
This communication includes information about the Initial, Summative, Initial Alternate, and Summative Alternate ELPAC.
Reminders
Prepare for SSR Electronic Distribution
Collaborate with technology personnel to ensure that connections between the local student information system (SIS) and TOMS are active, which will result in Student Score Reports (SSRs) populating in a timely manner, as outlined in the Options for Distributing SSRs 
section in the ELPAC Post-Test Guide . Ensure the reports are properly displayed and parents/guardians can access their child's report. The SIS vendor credentials have a 365-day expiration rule. If needed, regenerate credentials for the SIS to securely connect to TOMS. Early May is the estimated first release date for the Summative ELPAC SSRs for grades three through twelve. Summative ELPAC SSRs for kindergarten through grade two (K–2) will be released in late May or early June. Summative Alternate ELPAC SSRs will be released in early August. Note that as of the 2022–23 administration, the ELPAC will have SSRs produced daily. For a list of estimated release dates, refer to the ELPAC Score Reporting web page.
Upcoming Dates
April 10 Through May 5: Initial ELPAC Writing Test Materials Order
LEAs will use TOMS to order Initial ELPAC Writing domain testing materials for K–2. Primary orders for 2023–24 Initial ELPAC test materials can be placed from April 10 through May 5, 2023.
May 5 and 19: Return Summative ELPAC K–2 Writing Answer Books
The next dates to request a pickup of completed K–2 Writing Answer Books for returning to ETS for scoring are May 5 and 19, 2023. For a list of all pickup dates, please refer to the List of Key Dates table. The sooner LEAs return K–2 Writing Answer Books, the sooner ETS is able to complete the quality-control process to release SSRs.
May 12: Summative ELPAC Supplemental Ordering Window for K–2 Writing Answer Books Closing
The Summative ELPAC supplemental ordering window for K–2 Writing Answer Books (delivered 10 to 14 days after the order has been placed) will close May 12.
May 31: Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Testing Window Closing
The Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC testing window is open from February 1 through May 31. LEAs may schedule testing according to local preference within this window and do not need to inform the CDE or ETS. All testing must take place within this window. All Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) cases must be submitted one week before May 31 to ensure that cases are approved with adequate time to allow students to complete testing by May 31.
Upcoming Trainings
To register or locate additional details about upcoming trainings, including dates, times, or content, visit the ELPAC Upcoming Training Opportunities web page.
May 2: Data-Driven Decision-Making Training Series for Educational Leaders (Module 4)
This training series consists of four ninety-minute modules. Module 4 will cover why a local data-driven decision-making system is important, as well as protected team planning time to construct actionable steps for creating or improving a robust local data system. Team attendance is encouraged, and teams could include LEA and site coordinators, curriculum leads, and teacher leaders or coaches. This is the final day scheduled for attending this module.
May 4: Accessing Summative Assessment Results in CERS, 9–10:15 a.m.
Module 1 will focus on preparing to access the California Spanish Assessment, Summative ELPAC, and Summative Alternate ELPAC results in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS). This session will include live demonstrations about how to access specific summative assessment results, view and interpret individual score reports, and understand data features. There will be time to explore the system features and to hold a question and answer session.
May 8: Initial ELPAC What's New Overview Webinar, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
LEA staff responsible for ELPAC training should register for the statewide 2023–24 Initial ELPAC What's New Overview Question and Answer Session .
May 9: Coffee Session, 2–3 p.m.
Register now for the May 2023 Coffee Session . Use the Coffee Session Content Request Form to submit questions, request demonstrations, or share a best practice.
May 10: Initial Alternate ELPAC AST
The 2023–24 Initial Alternate ELPAC AST will open on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
May 15: Initial Alternate ELPAC What's New Overview Webinar, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
LEA staff responsible for ELPAC training should register for the statewide 2023–24 Initial Alternate ELPAC What's New Overview Question and Answer Session .
Available Now!
Web Page Updates
Initial ELPAC AST
The 2023–24 Initial ELPAC AST is now available in Moodle . For details or further questions, refer to the April 24, 2023, email or contact moodlesupport@scoe.net.
Videos
The new Teacher Hand Scoring System (THSS) video for the Initial ELPAC has launched. It is now available in the Moodle Training course that opened on April 24. It is part of the LEA Certification requirements and is available in every course in Moodle .
Ongoing Reminders
Complete the Required LEA Certification Now
Select LEAs who have not completed their certification received reminders in early April. Any LEAs that are not yet certified must access the statewide Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Administration and Scoring Trainings (ASTs) in the Moodle Training Site (Moodle) . Training is required annually and must be completed by all LEAs with eligible students for the Summative ELPAC and the Summative Alternate ELPAC as soon as possible. Moodle keys are available on the AST website . Direct questions about trainings to Moodle Support at moodlesupport@scoe.net.
Educator Opportunities Upcoming Meetings
These meetings are for educators who want to be involved in the development and review of test questions for California assessment programs. Some upcoming opportunities include the Item Writer Workshops, during which educators receive training on how to write assessment items. Item Writer Workshops for both the ELPAC and the Alternate ELPAC will be held this October. To apply for future meetings, go to the Educator Opportunities Portal . If you do not have an Educator Opportunities Portal account, you will need to create an account in the Educator Opportunities Database. If you have any questions, please contact the Educator Opportunities Team by phone at 916-228-2682 or by email at edopportunities@scoe.net.
Scoring Job Opportunities
ETS accepts applications for scorers. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to become more familiar with the new generation of California assessments. Scoring schedules are flexible and can include four-, six-, and eight-hour weekday or weekend shifts. California educators interested in applying can view more information on the Online Scoring web page. Questions about the application or hiring process should be directed to etsrater@ets.org . Current scorers can reach out to ratercertify@ets.org for any scoring-related questions.
Previous ELPAC Monthly Communications
Previous ELPAC monthly communications, as well as other email communications, can be found on the ELPAC Coordinator Emails web page.
Additional Help
- Direct questions about policies, regulations, and requirements to elpac@cde.ca.gov.
- Contact your region's Success Agent for answers to questions about assessment coordination, development, and administration, as well as for technical support.
- Direct questions about Moodle , certification, and calibration to moodlesupport@scoe.net.
- Get Answers from a new user-friendly lookup tool available to help LEA coordinators quickly find answers to the most common testing questions. Users can also suggest Additional Questions for the FAQ , which will be reviewed on a regular basis.
- Chat with Anita, your virtual assistant for LEA help, which is available on the CAASPP and ELPAC home pages. Unanswered questions will be routed to your LEA Success Agent.
Sincerely,
California Outreach Team
Contact Us: California Outreach web page